Flea Season Is Upon Us

Tips for getting rid of fleas

Fleas are the most common external parasites of dogs and cats. Adult fleas are most commonly found on their host (could be your pet) and the immature fleas are found in the pet’s close environment. Your animal isn’t likely to pick up fleas from coming into contact with a flea-infested animal but rather coming into contact with an infested environment. With warmer weather here, flea infestations are more common. If you have found one flea, that flea could have already laid up to 100,000 eggs. It is time to take action.

We are here to help you. Fleas can be kept at bay if you are readied with the best tips and techniques to drive them away.

Treat Your Pet(s)

It is important to first treat your pet with flea prevention. Our veterinarian on staff recommend a 3 in 1 pill. It treats heartworm, flea & tick, and intestinal worms. This is important to help protect your pet. If you have children in your home too it can help protect them. Worms in pets can cause blindness in children if not careful. You should synchronize treatment with all of your pets for 8 months to completely prevent and protect your pets from having fleas. Treatment can be as easy as one chewable tablet given once per month.

Frequent Warm Baths

Give your pet warm baths more frequently. Using Dawn dish soap to wash your pet can help paralyze the fleas and get them off of your pet.

Wash Your Pet’s Bed Using Hot Water

Ensure that you wash their beds every couple of weeks in hot water. Keep two things in mind about your pet’s bedding:

The water should be hot enough to drive these parasites away from every inch of the beddings.
Your wash cycle should be frequent. This means that you are required to keep it clean regularly.

Consult Your Veterinarian

If you have found that your pet is infested with fleas, do not take long to consult your vet. Talk to your vet immediately and follow their instructions. We have a veterinarian on staff full time if you would like a consultation.

What More Could Your Do?

Your pet is the primary source of introducing fleas to your household. These critters will not take long to conquer the entire place. Here’s a couple of tips you can use to rid your house of these parasites.

Get your home fumigated
Use chemical treatments such as aerosol sprays and insecticides
Wash your sheets in hot water
Use steam cleaners for upholstery
Use vacuum cleaners for tight and confined places

The Homeward Bound at the Humane Society of St. Lucie County is here to help!

We have a veterinarian on staff full time. Dr. Stanton is able to recommend different flea treatments based on your pet’s needs and your budget. We offer affordable vet services to the community and every pet we see becomes a part of our village

Want to learn more about our veterinary services? Click here.